Mystery surrounds death of man found hanging near Thetford

A coroner recorded an open conclusion after an inquest heard how a man who was found hanging in heathland near Thetford was unlikely to kill himself because he was a devout Christian.

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Chimwemwe Moto, 38, was found hanging in Croxton Heath near the A1075 on November 4 last year.

An inquest in Norwich yesterday was told that Mr Moto, who was married with three children, had financial worries, had taken out several Pay Day loans and was about £35,000 in debt.

He had left his home in Brook Avenue, Saffron Walden, on November 2.

When he did not return his wife reported him missing to Essex police.

The inquest heard that his Peugeot car was spotted by the police on November 4 and his body was found nearby.

The cause of death was given as hanging, but the inquest heard that the circumstances surrounding his death were unclear.

Mr Moto’s family said they had concerns about what happened to his mobile phone, which has not been found, where he went after he left Saffron Walden, whether he was on his own, and questioned whether a third party may have been involved.

Mr Moto, who was the son of the former Malawian High Commissioner to the UK, Professor Francis Moto, attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Peterborough, and Pastor Theo Rios attended the inquest. The pastor said that Mr Moto, who was a singer in the church choir, had spoken to him about ending his life, but said his Christian faith would not allow it.

The inquest heard that Mr Moto, who was a support worker and student, had no injuries to his body, which would have been consistent with foul play, but assistant deputy coroner for Norfolk, Yvonne Blake recorded an open conclusion.

She said that if any further evidence came to light, then the inquest could be reopened.